Ceiling panel assembly and mounting system therefor

ABSTRACT

A module for mounting within a ceiling panel assembly. The module includes an upper mounting frame that includes a main body portion that defines a central opening, a lower mounting frame that is at least partially received in the central opening of the upper mounting frame, and a latch assembly. The main body portion of the upper mounting frame includes a flange extending outwardly therefrom. The lower mounting frame is pivotable with respect to the upper mounting frame between a first position and a second position. The latch assembly is associated with a first end of the upper mounting frame and the lower mounting frame. When the latch assembly is released the lower mounting frame pivots from the first position to the second position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/110,380, filed Jan. 30, 2015, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a ceiling module, and moreparticularly to a ceiling module for use with a lavatory in an aircraft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Commercial aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, aretypically constructed from modular components, the size, weight andconstruction of which are dictated by many considerations, includingfuselage dimensions, aesthetic and safety. Many of these requirementsare imposed by law or regulation. Aircraft components, such as overheadstowage compartments, seats, lavatories, galleys, lighting systems, etc.are all required to function within strictly confined spaces.

Manufacturers of aircraft are constantly refining interior aircraftdesigns to achieve more comfort and utility for passengers and crewwithin carrier-imposed restraints on cost, weight, maintenancedown-time, and safety. Commercial passenger aircraft generally includelavatories for use by passengers and crew that include a ceiling thatmay have components such as a light, smoke detector and or speakertherein. Typically, each of the components is individually mounted inits own unique way in the ceiling panel. They each require a differentset of hardware, different set of fasteners and inserts. Therefore, thelook, is not uniform.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there isprovided a module for mounting within a ceiling panel assembly. Themodule includes an upper mounting frame that includes a main bodyportion that defines a central opening, a lower mounting frame that isat least partially received in the central opening of the upper mountingframe, and a latch assembly. The main body portion of the upper mountingframe includes a flange extending outwardly therefrom. The lowermounting frame is pivotable with respect to the upper mounting framebetween a first position and a second position. The latch assembly isassociated with a first end of the upper mounting frame and the lowermounting frame. When the latch assembly is released the lower mountingframe pivots from the first position to the second position. In apreferred embodiment, one of the upper mounting frame and lower mountingframe includes two pivot pins extending inwardly therefrom and the otherof the upper mounting frame and the lower mounting frame includes twopivot openings defined therein. The pivot pins are received in the pivotopenings. Preferably, the pivot openings comprise a pivot slot that isopen to an outside of the upper mounting frame or the lower mountingframe. In a preferred embodiment, the pivot pins extend inwardly fromthe main body portion of the upper mounting frame into the centralopening and the pivot openings are defined in the lower mounting frame.

In a preferred embodiment, the latch assembly includes a latch memberthat is mounted on one of the lower mounting frame or the upper mountingframe and a ledge that is disposed on the other of the lower mountingframe or the upper mounting frame. Preferably, the latch member ismounted within a protrusion on the upper mounting frame. The protrusiondefines a latch pocket in which an engagement surface on the latchmember is positioned. The engagement surface is accessible via anopening defined in the protrusion. Preferably, a stationary portion ofthe latch member is received in a receiver opening that is separatedfrom the latch pocket by a divider.

In a preferred embodiment, the module also includes a bezel thatincludes tabs extending upwardly therefrom. The tabs are received inchannels defined in the upper mounting frame. Preferably, the first endof the lower mounting frame includes alignment tabs extending therefromthat are received in alignment openings defined in the upper mountingframe and the upper mounting frame includes at least one electricalconnection cylinder extending upwardly from an upper surface thereof. Inanother preferred embodiment, the upper mounting frame and lowermounting frame include complementary curved hinge members disposed onthe second ends thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the module includes a component that ismounted in the lower mounting frame. The component is at least one of anoxygen mask, a speaker, a smoke detector, an air extractor or a lightand the component is pivotable together with the lower mounting framebetween the first position and the second position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a module for mounting within a ceiling panel assembly thatincludes an upper mounting frame and a lower mounting frame. The uppermounting frame includes a main body portion that defines a centralopening. The main body portion includes a flange extending outwardlytherefrom and the upper mounting frame includes a first end and a secondend. Two pivot pins extending inwardly from the main body portion intothe central opening and a latch member is mounted within a protrusion onthe first end of the upper mounting frame. The lower mounting frame isat least partially received in the central opening of the upper mountingframe and includes a first end and a second end. The first end includesa ledge that is engaged with the latch member of the upper mountingframe. The lower mounting frame includes two pivot openings definedtherein that are communicated with pivot slots that are open to anoutside of the lower mounting frame, and the pivot pins are received inthe pivot openings. The lower mounting frame is pivotable with respectto the upper mounting frame between a first position and a secondposition.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a lower mounting frame for use with a mounting system thatincludes an upper mounting frame. The lower mounting frame includes amain body portion that includes first, second, third and fourth sides, abottom surface and a top edge, a ledge that is positioned on the firstside of the main body portion, and first and second pivot slots definedin the third and fourth sides of the main body portion. The first andsecond pivot slots each have a first portion that extends generallyparallel to the bottom surface of the main body portion and a secondportion that angles upwardly from the first portion and is open to thetop edge of the main body portion. Preferably, the lower mounting frameincludes alignment tabs extending upwardly therefrom that are adapted tobe received in alignment openings defined in the upper mounting frame.In a preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of the main body portionincludes at least one of an opening for receiving a grill, a speakergrill or a light cover.

The present invention provides a generally uniform system that allowsthe mounting of different components of different sizes. For example, inthe commercial aircraft industry there are a number of differentspeakers that are typically used. The present invention allows all ofthese speakers to be mounted, where before there were three differentmounting styles for each speaker.

In the present invention, each of the components can be removedindividually. Each component has its own pivot and latching system,which is beneficial for maintenance. It also allows for different looks.A bezel can be used if desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of ceiling module in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the ceiling module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front exploded perspective view of the ceiling module ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear exploded perspective view of the ceiling module of FIG.1;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side elevational view showing the lowermounting frame being connected to the upper mounting frame;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional side elevational view showing the lowermounting frame pivoting from the second position (the maintenanceposition) to the first position (the operation position);

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the air extractor module;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the oxygen module;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the speaker module;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the light module; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the ceiling module of FIG. 1 usedin an aircraft lavatory.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not tobe construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certaininstances, well-known or conventional details are not described in orderto avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodimentin the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references tothe same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of theembodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodimentsmutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features aredescribed which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirementsfor some embodiments but not other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in thespecific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used todescribe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in thespecification, to provide additional guidance to the practitionerregarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certainterms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotationmarks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaningof a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the samecontext, whether or not it is highlighted.

It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than oneway. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for anyone or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is tobe placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein.Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or moresynonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examplesanywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussedherein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit thescope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term.Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given inthis specification.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples ofinstruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according tothe embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note thattitles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of areader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unlessotherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, thepresent document, including definitions, will control.

It will be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,”“bottom,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” “aft,” “forward,”“inboard,” “outboard” and “below” used herein are merely for ease ofdescription and refer to the orientation of the components as shown inthe figures. It should be understood that any orientation of thecomponents described herein is within the scope of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 1-10 show a ceiling module or ceiling panel assembly 10 inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In anexemplary embodiment, the ceiling module can be used in a modularaircraft lavatory, such as the one taught in U.S. Patent Publication No.2014/0196206, published on Jul. 17, 2014, the entirety of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. However, this is not alimitation and the ceiling module can be used elsewhere.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, in a preferred embodiment, the ceiling panelassembly 10 generally includes a panel 12 and a plurality of modularcomponents that each include a similar mounting system for mounting thecomponent in the panel 12. It will be appreciated that the number andtypes of components are not limiting on the present invention. However,for exemplary purposes only, the drawings show an air extractor module14, a speaker module 16, a light module 18 and an oxygen module 20. Thesystem can be used to mount other components, such as smoke detectors,personal service units, flight attendant call and other buttons, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 3-4, each module includes a lower mounting frame 22and an upper mounting frame 24. The lower and upper mounting frames 22and 24 for each component are sized and shaped differently, but each ofthe lower and upper mounting frames 22 and 24 work together to provide asystem to mount the component within the panel 12. In a preferredembodiment, one or more of the modules also includes a bezel 26 thatmates with and mounts on the upper mounting frame 24 (or the lowermounting frame 22). The bezel 26 can be included or excluded dependingon the desired look of the ceiling panel assembly 10. To receive theindividual modules, the panel 12 includes an air extractor moduleopening 14 a, a speaker module opening 16 a, a light module opening 18 aand an oxygen module opening 20 a. The openings also include cutouts forany protrusions on the upper mounting frame 24.

As shown in FIGS. 3-9, the upper mounting frames 24 each include a mainbody portion 30 that is sized to be received in the opening in the panel12 and includes a central opening 31 and a flange 32 that extendsoutwardly therefrom. The flange 32 includes a bottom surface 32 a thatrests against the top surface of the ceiling panel 12 and is typicallybonded thereto. The individual components (air extractor, light,speaker, etc.) are mounted or connected to the lower mounting frame 22.As will described below, the lower mounting frame 22 for each componentmay be different. However, each of the lower mounting frames 22 havesimilar features that allow the lower mounting frames 22 to hingedlyconnect and be latched to the upper mounting frames 24. The lowermounting frame 22 is sized to be at least partially received in thecentral opening 31 (i.e., it has a smaller width and length dimensionthan the upper mounting frame 24).

The lower and upper mounting frames 22 and 24 include a first end thatincludes a latch assembly 34 and a second end that includes a pivot orhinge assembly 36. Any type of latch assembly that allows the lowermounting frame 22 to latch to the upper mounting frame 24 is within thescope of the present invention. Furthermore, any type of pivot assemblythat allows the lower mounting frame 22 (and the component therein) topivot with respect to the upper mounting frame 24 between a firstposition (where it is latched in place and operational) and a secondposition (where it is hinged downwardly for maintenance or removal) iswithin the scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, in a preferred embodiment, the latch assembly34 includes a pivotable latch member 38 on the upper mounting frame 24and a ledge 40 that is captured by the latch member 38 on the lowermounting frame 22. The latch member 38 includes a stationary portion 41that is received in a receiver opening 42 and a latch portion 43 that isreceived in a latch pocket 44. The latch pocket 44 and receiver opening42 are open to the inner surface of the main body portion 30 of theupper mounting frame 24 and are defined in a protrusion 45 that extendsfrom the main body portion 30. The latch pocket 44 and receiver opening42 are separated by a divider 46. This arrangement holds the stationaryportion 41 within receiver opening 42 and allows the latch portion 43 toflex or pivot within latch pocket 44. The latch portion 43 includes abeak 48 that mates with or captures the ledge 40 on the lower mountingframe 22 in the first position. The latch portion 43 also includes anengagement surface 47. To release the lower mounting frame 22 a smallobject such as the tip of a pen or a paper clip is inserted into arelease opening 50 that is defined in the protrusion 45 and/or main bodyportion 30 and communicated with the latch pocket 44. Once the object isinserted through the release opening 50 it contacts the engagementsurface 47 and pivots the beak 48 so that it disengages from the ledge40. Gravity then causes the lower mounting frame 22 to pivot downwardly,as is shown in FIG. 5B in hidden lines. In another embodiment, the latchmember 38 can be on the lower mounting frame 22 and the ledge 40 can beon the upper mounting frame 24.

In a preferred embodiment, the hinge assembly 36 includes opposing pivotpins 52 located on the second end of the upper mounting frame 24 andcomplementary pivot openings 54 and slots 56 defined in the second endof the lower mounting frame 22. Preferably, the pivot pins 52 protrudeinwardly into central opening 31. However, the pivot pins 52 can alsoprotrude or extend outwardly. As shown in FIG. 5A, to connect the lowermounting frame 22 to the upper mounting frame 24, the open end of theslots 56 are positioned over the pivot pins 52 and the lower mountingframe 22 is then moved downwardly into place so that the pivot pins 52move all the way to the closed end of the slots 56 (referred to hereinas the pivot openings 54). In a preferred embodiment, the slots 56include a portion that is parallel to the upper and lower surfaces ofthe lower mounting frame 22 and a portion that is angled relativethereto. In another embodiment, the slots 56 can be omitted and onlyclosed pivot openings 54 can be used. As shown in FIG. 5B, the lowermounting frame is then pivoted upwardly from the second position (shownin hidden lines) to the first position (shown in solid lines) where theledge 40 engages the beak 48 of the latch member 38. When moving to thefirst position, an inclined edge on the ledge 40 pushes against aninclined edge on the beak 48 to pivot the beak 48 out of the way so thebeak 48 and ledge 40 can engage one another.

As shown in FIGS. 5-9, in a preferred embodiment, the lower mountingframes 22 include a main body portion 88 that includes first 88 a,second 88 b, third 88 c and fourth sides 88 d, a bottom surface 88 e anda top edge 88 f. As shown, the ledge 40 is preferably positioned on thefirst side 88 a and the pivot slots 56 (and pivot openings 54) aredefined in the third 88 c and fourth sides 88 d of the main body portion88. The first portion of the pivot slots 56 extends generally parallelto the bottom surface 88 e of the main body portion 88 and the secondportion of the pivot slots 56 extends or angles upwardly from the firstportion and is open to the top edge 88 f of the main body portion 88.

As shown in FIGS. 3-9, in a preferred embodiment, the upper mountingframes 24 include a plurality of electrical connection cylinders 58thereon. The cylinders 58 are provisions for wiring. A preexistingzip-tie mount for wires clips into the cylinders 58. They basicallyreceive a small loop with a built-in zip-tie that has a Christmas treeshaped wire harness on the end of it that clicks/fits into thatcylinder. This allows wiring to be run between the individualcomponents. In a preferred embodiment, the bezels 26 include tabs 60extending therefrom that are received in channels 62 defined in theupper mounting frames 24. In a preferred embodiment, the lower mountingframes 22 also include alignment tabs 64 extending upwardly therefromthat are received in alignment openings 66 in the upper mounting frame.This helps align the lower mounting frame 22 with the upper mountingframe 24 so that the latch member 38 properly aligns with the ledge 40.

With reference to FIG. 6, the air extractor module 14 includes the lowermounting frame 22, the upper mounting frame 24, the bezel 26 and the airextractor assembly 28. The air extractor assembly 28 is mounted withinthe lower mounting frame 22 and includes a grill 68 that snap fits ontothe lower mounting frame 22. The lower mounting frame 22 includes theslots 56 and pivot openings 54 defined therein, as well as ledge 40.

With reference to FIG. 7, the oxygen module 20 includes the uppermounting frame 24, the lower mounting frame 22 and the oxygen box 70(which includes components such as the oxygen mask). The lower mountingframe 22 of the oxygen module 20 includes two ledges 40 for mating withtwo latch members 38 on the upper mounting frame 24. The hinge assembly36 is different than the hinge assembly 36 on the other threecomponents. The hinge assembly 36 includes complementary upper and lowercurved hinge members 72 and 74 that engage one another and allow thelower mounting frame 22 and oxygen box 70 to pivot with respect to theupper mounting frame 24. As shown, the oxygen box 70 is attached to thelower mounting frame 22 by threaded fasteners.

With reference to FIG. 8, the speaker module 16 includes the lowermounting frame 22, the upper mounting frame 24, the bezel 26 and thespeaker 76. The lower mounting frame 22 includes the slots 56 and pivotopenings 54 defined therein as well as the speaker grill 78 and ledge40.

With reference to FIG. 9, the light module 18 includes the lowermounting frame 22, the upper mounting frame 24, the bezel 26 and thelight assembly 80, which includes a housing 82 and lights 84 (e.g.,LEDs) therein. The lower mounting frame 22 includes the slots 56 andpivot openings 54 defined therein as well as the lens cover 86 and ledge40.

FIG. 10 shows the entire ceiling panel assembly 10 inserted into theshell of a lavatory 100.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling ofconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall referto this application as a whole and not to any particular portions ofthis application. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or pluralnumber may also include the plural or singular number respectively. Theword “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of thefollowing interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, allof the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for thedisclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of thedisclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples:alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements orranges.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments. Any measurements described or used hereinare merely exemplary and not a limitation on the present invention.Other measurements can be used. Further, any specific materials notedherein are only examples: alternative implementations may employdiffering materials.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, includingany that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can bemodified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and conceptsof the various references described above to provide yet furtherembodiments of the disclosure.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of theabove Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the abovedescription describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, anddescribes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the aboveappears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details ofthe system may vary considerably in its implementation details, whilestill being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As notedabove, particular terminology used when describing certain features oraspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that theterminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specificcharacteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which thatterminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the followingclaims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above DetailedDescription of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines suchterms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses notonly the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways ofpracticing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have beenshown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms usedherein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes,modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A module for mounting within a ceiling panelassembly, the module comprising: an upper mounting frame that includes amain body portion that includes an inner surface that defines a centralopening having a central opening axis, wherein the main body portionincludes a flange extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the flangeextends outwardly from and approximately perpendicular to the centralopening axis such that when the module is mounted in a ceiling panelassembly a bottom surface of the flange is parallel to a top surface ofthe ceiling panel assembly, and wherein the upper mounting frameincludes opposing first and second ends, and opposing first and secondsides, a lower mounting frame that is at least partially received in thecentral opening of the upper mounting frame, wherein the lower mountingframe includes a first end and a second end, wherein the lower mountingframe is pivotable about a pivot point with respect to the uppermounting frame between a first position and a second position, whereinthe pivot point is located closer to the second end than the first end,wherein one of the upper mounting frame and lower mounting frameincludes two pivot pins extending inwardly therefrom, wherein the otherof the upper mounting frame and the lower mounting frame includes twopivot openings defined therein, and wherein the pivot pins are receivedin the pivot openings, such that one of the upper mounting frame and thelower mounting frame can pivot with respect to the other of the uppermounting frame and the lower mounting frame on the pivot pins, and alatch assembly that is associated with the first end of the uppermounting frame and the lower mounting frame, wherein when the latchassembly is released the lower mounting frame pivots from the firstposition to the second position, wherein the latch assembly includes alatch member that is mounted within a protrusion on the upper mountingframe and a ledge that is disposed on the lower mounting frame, whereinthe protrusion defines a latch pocket in which an engagement surface onthe latch member is positioned, and wherein the engagement surface isaccessible via an opening defined in the protrusion.
 2. The module ofclaim 1 wherein the pivot openings comprise a pivot slot that is open toan outside of the upper mounting frame or the lower mounting frame. 3.The module of claim 1 wherein the pivot pins extend inwardly from themain body portion of the upper mounting frame into the central opening,wherein the pivot openings are defined in the lower mounting frame. 4.The module of claim 3 wherein the pivot openings comprise a pivot slotthat is open to an outside of the lower mounting frame.
 5. The module ofclaim 1 wherein a stationary portion of the latch member is received ina receiver opening, and wherein the receiver opening is separated fromthe latch pocket by a divider.
 6. The module of claim 1 furthercomprising a bezel that includes tabs extending upwardly therefrom,wherein the tabs are received in channels defined in the upper mountingframe.
 7. The module of claim 1 wherein the first end of the lowermounting frame includes an upper surface having alignment tabs extendingupwardly therefrom, wherein the upper mounting frame includes alignmentmembers extending into the central opening, wherein the alignmentmembers each define an alignment opening, wherein the alignment tabs arereceived in the alignment openings.
 8. The module of claim 1 wherein theflange of the upper mounting frame includes at least one electricalconnection cylinder extending upwardly from an upper surface thereof. 9.The module of claim 1 wherein the upper mounting frame and lowermounting frame include complementary curved hinge members disposed onthe second ends thereof, wherein interaction of the curved hinge memberson the upper mounting frame and the curved hinge members of the lowermounting frame allow the lower mounting frame to pivot with respect tothe upper mounting frame.
 10. The module of claim 1 wherein a componentis mounted in the lower mounting frame, wherein the component is atleast one of an oxygen mask, a speaker, a smoke detector, an airextractor or a light, and wherein the component is pivotable togetherwith the lower mounting frame between the first position and the secondposition.
 11. A module for mounting within a ceiling panel assembly, themodule comprising: an upper mounting frame that includes a main bodyportion that defines a central opening, wherein the main body portionincludes a flange extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the uppermounting frame includes a first end and a second end, wherein two pivotpins extending inwardly from the main body portion into the centralopening at a point closer to the second end than the first end, whereina latch member is mounted within a protrusion on the first end of theupper mounting frame, a lower mounting frame that is at least partiallyreceived in the central opening of the upper mounting frame, wherein thelower mounting frame includes a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst end includes a ledge that is engaged with the latch member of theupper mounting frame, wherein the lower mounting frame includes twopivot openings defined therein that are communicated with pivot slotsthat are open to an outside of the lower mounting frame, and wherein thepivot pins are received in the pivot openings, wherein the lowermounting frame is pivotable with respect to the upper mounting framebetween a first position and a second position, and wherein the firstend of the lower mounting frame includes an upper surface havingalignment tabs extending upwardly therefrom, wherein the upper mountingframe includes alignment members extending into the central opening,wherein the alignment members each define an alignment opening, andwherein the alignment tabs are received in the alignment openings whenthe lower mounting frame is pivoted to the second position.
 12. Themodule of claim 11 wherein the protrusion defines a latch pocket inwhich an engagement surface on the latch member is positioned, andwherein the engagement surface is accessible via an opening defined inthe protrusion.
 13. The module of claim 11 wherein the alignment tabsextend in a direction that is generally parallel to the central openingaxis when the alignment tabs are received in the alignment openings.